Leader of the Opposition Ralph Gonsalves on Monday, characterized crime as a “complex issue” and provides both specific recent statistics and a broader perspective on the current security situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Gonsalves highlighted the recent spike in violent activity following the change in government. He reports that since the New Democratic Party (NDP) took office; there have been:
• Three homicides/murders.
• One kidnapping.
• Two shootings.
He describes these occurrences as a “significant number” for such a short period.
Despite the recent figures, Gonsalves notes a positive trend from the previous year. He points out that in 2024; there was a 25% decline in homicides compared to the two years prior.
The Opposition leader expresses hope that the authorities can maintain this “downward trend” through responsible management.
Gonsalves emphasizes that the police force must be a “non-political institution dealing with law enforcement and express concern over any political interference that might undermine the trust of the people in the police. Regarding his role in the opposition, he states he will be “very responsible” in his critiques but will remain “critical where I have to be” to ensure public safety.
Linking crime to international instability, Gonsalves warns of a potential “descent into chaos” if the situation in Venezuela is not handled diplomatically. He cautions that political crisis often attracts “bad men and women” who exploit the situation to make money and commit crimes, warning that these individuals could easily transit to islands like Trinidad, Grenada, and St. Vincent to create mayhem.